Reviewed By
Vaughan

Analysis
Films based on computer games, films based on cartoons and now we have a film based upon a theme park ride! What ever next? Ask anyone who has been lucky enough to enjoy the Pirate of the Caribbean theme park ride and they will tell you that it is one of Disney's most popular attractions for a good reason. If they had also seen this movie, they would get a distinct feeling of nostalgia from the experience as Disney has tried to ensure that the link between ride and film is well established . I however can't confirm this but would be more than obliging should Disney invite me on an all expenses paid trip to investigate first hand. Our man Stew has visited the sunshine state on a number of occasions and can confirm that additional enjoyment can be gained from certain in-jokes that are strung through the film.

Pirates of the Caribbean isn't just a good old fashioned swashbuckling yarn about sailors with wooden legs and people shouting "brace the yard arm", it is also a film about a mysterious curse that plagues a group of pirates which can only be broken once every piece of stolen treasure is reunited once again. The curse has the unfortunate effect of turning the infected seamen into skeletons when the moonlight hits their flesh. The effects for these moonlight transition are top notch especially when seen as part of a more rapid scene with certain sequences playing out within large underground caves with shafts of moonlight filtering in trough cracks in the ceiling. As a cursed sailor passes under these shafts the effects team have ensured that the skeletal look briefly appears and disappears.

The films plot is slow to unravel making it difficult for the younger viewers to focus on all the opening dialogue. After years of the big bang opening credits approach to captivate the onlooker, 20 minutes of story establishment can lead to seat shuffling and numerous requests for the toilet just for a change of scenery. I'm not entirely convinced either that the running time of 143 minutes was all that justified and think, for pacing reasons, the first 30 minutes should have been condensed in to 15. I went with my nephew who is 8 and he was fed up before the real good stuff kicked off and by then it was too little too late. For the older viewer who's attention span has a little more endurance, you should find this to be a lively and charming tale with a nice balance of action, romance and mystery.

The highlight for me was Johnny Depp's superb character performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. Renown for becoming 'one' with his on screen visage, Depp relaxed into his roll and truly made it one of the best performances of the year. His slightly drunken accent and comical anti-hero persona made him a joy to watch ensuring that he is the master at pulling of the type of role that anybody else would just over overcook.

Key Area	Rating (out of 5)	Comment
Action		Surprisingly tame by today's standards but the usual pirate stuff is in there including frantic sword fighting, galleon battles on the high seas and ...erm......did I mention sword fighting?
Tension		Gripping via the many action sequences more than frightening but younger viewer might make a beeline towards mummy's shoulder on the arrival of the black pearl and it's cursed crew.
Violence/ Gore		This is a Disney movie so the violent moments are played more for action than for shocks.
Bare Flesh	None	Loads of flesh, hanging lifeless of the bone that is!
Plot		A great little story that's been fashioned from the basic premise behind the Disney ride. Fresh and fun but perhaps 20 minutes too long.

Verdict For Johnny Depps showing along it's worth the entrance fee. This is certainly no wild action movie but instead relies on it's meandering plot, strong characters and of course the theme park tie in. It's one of those rare inoffensive breeds that will appeal to all generations except perhaps the sub 10 year olds and offers a refreshingly fun cinema experience.

Movie Pictures (Click picture to enlarge)